When was the last time you said sorry, I apologize, forgive me? Most of us are too accustomed to saying these words sometimes even when we don't mean to or have done nothing wrong in the first place. We end up projecting a character trait of weakness and lack of confidence to others and this of course inspires no respect whatsoever. It's therefore important to have our own red lines on what we will always be unapologetic for.
Following our own path in life
Since our early childhood days, the traditional societal model of school, work, family, has been the commandment to be followed and anything else is considered a taboo at the very least. While there is nothing wrong in following the conservative way, you should never waste your time explaining to anyone your choices in life that are in contrast to group think as it's only you who knows what truly resonates with your heart and no one owes you any support and neither do you need their validation.
Saying NO
This is one of the most uncomfortable thing one can say especially to those we hold dear to us. We tend to beat around the bush in the hope they will understand we don't want to do something they want instead of being straight forward from the word go. It may initially hurt, but your conscience will be clear and whatever feelings may end up stirring in them, it's not your business. People pleasing is one of the fastest way to lose track of your life and the better you get used to saying NO when you have to is when your life will get more peaceful and rewarding. Just know that well-meaning people will accept your NO respectfully with no sense of entitlement or resentment, and why would you care if that was not the case anyway?
Your Faith and Beliefs
We are all born in different backgrounds with different cultural beliefs and way of life. However, when we go to the outside world and mingle with different people, we expose ourselves to their beliefs and cultures, some of which we assimilate as our own. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with adopting new norms, no one has the right to impose theirs on you in any way possible. That's the mark of a bully and you better stand up to your hard held beliefs even if it comes at the cost of your friendship or association with other people. All our actions are dictated by what we most believe in and this is not to be taken lightly at all no matter how 'greener' the other side may seem. You have to make a stern decision that you will never be intimidated into apologizing to anyone for what you believe to be your way of truth!
With all said and done, we all make honest mistakes as human beings, and sometimes you will have to sincerely apologize for being on the wrong. It would be foolish to assume that you are never on the wrong. However, there are times when we are going to make decisions in our life which people may never approve of, but that does not mean you have to be sorry. Maybe it's them who cannot understand your vision after all. So next time you better think twice before making apologies!